Combining vibrant instrumentation with gut wrenching lyrics, we offer a level of understanding that can be appreciated by far more than just the basement dwellers.
Temperamental was written during Emily Ronna’s first two years of college. Documenting her tribulations of strained relationships, experimentation, and her shaky mental state, most of the EP was originally recorded with just an acoustic guitar and vocals. Though Ronna lyrics could have just fine as a moody, one sad kid show, they showcased a surging energy that practically begged for a band to back her up. With that, she knew she needed a team.
In 2014, Ronna formed Tighticus Finch with guitarist Jake Harris, who co-wrote the heaviest track, “Through Your Teeth.” They later added second guitarist CJ Rarela and bassist Cairn Tse-Lalonde, who had originally only been hired to produce the record. But when the record was done in August of 2015, they had fallen too hard in love to let him go. Almost exactly a year after the recording process began, Tighticus Finch is ready to unleash Temperamental to the world. It’s funny; it’s heartbreaking; it’s angsty; it’s full of secrets you would only tell your best friends. Or nobody. It’s everything Ronna dreamed her songs could sound like with a band; and it’s better, because it’s with the goofballs in Tighticus Finch.
Graduation proved to be more of a hurdle than a blessing as different members of the band went their separate ways. Knowing that singing about their problems and head-banging so hard their necks hurt was all Rarela and Ronna ever wanted, they decided to start over. Hence, Cardinals was born.
To save money, Ronna moved in with Rarela and his family in Marlboro, New Jersey where they teamed up with second guitarist Artie Lee, bassist Matt Herman, and drummer PJ Corallo, another Berklee classmate. Armed with a new band, a darker sound reflective of the 20-something struggles, and newly recorded songs that sit under them like an overstuffed suitcase, Cardinals is ready to properly introduce themselves. It’s nice to meet you.